Shugendo: The Ineffable Wakefulness of Nature

Shugendo is a Dharma tradition characterised by combinatory ritual-practice, mountain-asceticism, pilgrimage, and periodic retreats based on ritual death and rebirth.Shugen's roots extend into ancient folk-traditions related to mountain and ancestor veneration, as well as aspects of Shinto and Daoist thought, ultimately to be shaped through the doctrines and practices of esoteric Buddhism.Shugendo suffered a near fatal blow following its persecution in the Meiji period. Following World War 2, many Shugen lineages that had laid dormant during the first half of the 20th century re-emerged and painstakingly re-established themselves. This book serves as an introduction to Shugendo and follows the journey of Shodo Koshikidake in his efforts to revive his family's temple and Shugen tradition. Read more